Just when winter seems to be endless, it is the perfect time to escape to the warmth and beauty of the West Indies. Join us aboard the 94 passenger, magnificent Sea Cloud II for our island hopping adventure through the Caribbean Sea as we explore some of the most beautiful tropical isles, many still untouched by the hands of mass tourism. There is no doubt that the less commercialised of the islands have enormous charm and great natural beauty. But, beyond the fabulous beaches and pastel painted towns there is more. During the 17th and 18th centuries the West Indies attracted all manner of adventurers, buccaneers, pirates and the navies of the major European seafaring nations and this colourful history makes for an intriguing background to our voyage as we are able to hop from island to island and experience the heritage left by the Spanish, French, Dutch and British accompanied by our expert Guest Speaker.
Having operated voyages in the West Indies for many years aboard Sea Cloud II, we know that these waters provide the perfect sailing conditions for her and we have therefore planned our itinerary to ensure ample sailing time allowing you to relax on deck in the warmth and enjoy the majesty of the vessel. Occasionally our paths will cross with the mega-factory like cruise ships and it is at such times we will appreciate even more how fortunate we are to be enjoying our classic ship that embodies all the best sailing traditions. To be on deck when the sails are fully extended as we navigate through the West Indies is a marvellous experience. The forces of nature and ingenuity of man combining in the most natural of ways allows us to experience the thrill of sailing and a form of transport that has existed since the earliest of times.
Sea Cloud II
Launched in 2001, Sea Cloud II is a stunning vessel, built along traditional lines, but offering deluxe accommodation. She combines the timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. The 32,000 square feet of sails are set by hand which is a truly magical sight; she really is the most exquisite of vessels.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Barbados.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to Sea Cloud II for embarkation before we sail this evening.
Day 2 Charlotteville, Tobago.
Spend the morning at sea before we arrive in Tobago and anchor in the small fishing village of Charlotteville, situated in Man of War Bay. An afternoon island drive will take us to the Main Ridge Rainforest, home to numerous species of birds, reptiles and flora as well as scenic views over the island. Return to the ship via the Argyle Waterfall, an impressive three-tiered fall with a 54 metre drop that is set in the rainforest where we can take a refreshing swim in one of the natural rock pools.
Day 3 St George’s, Grenada.
Explore this wonderful Windward Island which many regard as the most beautiful in the Caribbean. It is a lush and verdant island with spice plantations, rum distilleries, tropical forests, secluded coves, nature trails and select hotels which cling to the hillsides overlooking the ocean. We will moor in the picturesque capital of St George’s at lunchtime before heading to Fort George. Built in 1706 with wonderful views over the harbour, it was here in 1983 that the Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop, was assassinated which prompted the invasion by US troops. Continue to a spice garden to learn about the herbs that grow here before we end at one of the island’s finest rum distilleries.
Day 4 Bequia, Grenadines.
We have the morning on this delightful Grenadine island which is totally unspoilt and a place of pure escapism with a charming old-world atmosphere. Only seven miles by two it is a long way from the well beaten tourist track, a serene and peaceful island with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. We will use the Zodiacs to land at Port Elizabeth where there will be some time at leisure to explore at your own pace or wander to a nearby beach. Those feeling active can make their way to Fort Hamilton offering views over the bay.
Day 5 Cabrits, Dominica.
Stepping back in time, the island of Dominica is still the primitive garden that Columbus first sighted in 1493. An area of tropical rainforests, there are flowers of incredible beauty and animals that exist nowhere else in the world. We arrive this afternoon in the small port of Cabrits, just below the national park and the former British garrison of Fort Shirley, which successfully repelled a French attack during the Trafalgar campaign in 1805. Here you can climb to the fort to explore the ruins, visit the small museum or perhaps simply wander the surrounding trails on the lookout for birds, hermit crabs and lizards.
Day 6 Little Bay, Montserrat.
Ask any Caribbean connoisseur about their favourite places and Montserrat will always be high on the list. Learn about the indigenous flora and fauna at the Botanical gardens before we visit the volcano observatory and learn how the islanders coped with the devastation which the volcanic eruptions of 1995 and 2010 caused. From Richmond hill we can see the impact of the eruptions before walking through the buried city of Plymouth itself. We will also see some of the untouched areas which are as beautiful as ever.
Day 7 Charlestown, Nevis.
This morning we will land by tender on one of the loveliest and least developed islands on the Leewards. British naval history is linked with most of the Leeward Islands and on Nevis the connection is particularly interesting. It was here that Nelson met Fanny Nesbit and later married her in the old Montpelier House, on the site where a hotel now stands. Prince William, later to become William IV, who was under Nelson’s command, attended the wedding and gave the bride away. The island is also the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States of America. Our tour of the island will include Nelson’s Museum, Hamilton’s Museum and the Fig Tree Church. This afternoon we hope to find a bay to take a swim from the ship.
Day 8 Basseterre, St Kitts.
We will make a landing this morning on the delightful island of St Kitts. This lovely island has it all, restful green fields of sugar cane plantations, rainforests and long stretches of uncrowded beaches. The atmosphere here is wonderfully relaxed and full of old-world charm. Choose to either wander the streets of Basseterre with its colonial buildings or see the impressive UNESCO fortress at Brimstone Hill. This 18th century British garrison played a key role in the battles with the French and is situated on a hill offering fine views over to Nevis. This afternoon we continue our sailing north.
Days 9 & 10 British Virgin Islands.
These islands are recognised throughout the seafaring world as one of the finest sailing areas. The 36 islands and cays sit in a dazzling turquoise sea surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. We have a day and a half here and will drop anchor and use our Zodiacs or local tenders to explore. We may make calls at the islands of Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Tortola. We will enjoy island drives and allow for time to relax on the beautiful beaches and swim in the clear waters.
Day 11 Gustavia, St Barthelemy.
We arrive over lunch at this tiny French West Indian island which is proud of its reputation as a stylish and exclusive tropical resort. It is a very top-drawer place and the island’s capital of Gustavia, where the tenders will take us ashore this afternoon, offers gourmet restaurants, street cafés and smart shops which would not be out of place on the French Riviera.
Day 12 St John’s, Antigua.
Antigua was one of the main British Naval bases in the Windward Islands and so our voyage under sail would not be complete without a visit to this island with so much important history. During a morning island drive we will have the opportunity to visit the beautifully restored 18th century dockyard in English Harbour and see the impressive collection of restored historic buildings which were occupied by the British Navy from 1707 till 1899. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing.
Day 13 Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe.
The eight island Iles des Saintes archipelago dots the waters off the southwest coast of Guadeloupe. In 1782, this was the site of one of the greatest naval battles of the sailing era, in which the tactics used by the British admiral Sir George Rodney foreshadowed those used 20 years later by Nelson at Trafalgar. This morning tender ashore and explore at leisure or take a walk up to Fort Napoleon and visit the museum which focuses on the Battle of the Saintes.
Day 14 Soufriere, St Lucia.
St Lucia is a splendidly rugged island of towering mountains, lush green valleys and acres of banana plantations. Due to its strategic position, the island was fought over repeatedly by the French and British and changed hands fourteen times. We will anchor in sight of St Lucia’s best-known feature, the twin peaks of the Pitons, which rise dramatically from the sea to more than 2400 feet. In the nearby town of Soufriere we can visit the bubbling Sulphur springs, part of a low lying volcano which erupted thousands of years ago. Our tour will also include the splendid botanical gardens.
Day 15 Barbados to London.
Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands, with Atlantic surf on the east coast and sparkling Caribbean waters on the west coast. Captain Powell landed here in 1625 and claimed the island for England. Although independent from Britain since 1966, afternoon tea remains a tradition and cricket is the national sport. We disembark this morning and will take an island drive including visits to the historic 17th century Sunbury Plantation House and the impressive St John’s Church. After lunch we have some free time before transferring to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 16 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
2 to 17 February 2024 • 16 February to 2 March 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Category E Deluxe double | £10295 | £9795 |
Category D Deluxe double | £10495 | £9995 |
Category C Deluxe double | £10995 | £10495 |
Category B Junior Suite | £11495 | £10995 |
Category A Luxury Owner's Suite | £12895 | £12395 |
Category F Stateroom for sole use | £11295 | £10795 |
Category E Deluxe double for sole use | £13295 | £12795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCS2020222
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 nights aboard the Sea Cloud II on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB. Ports and itinerary subject to change and weather conditions. Tenders or Zodiacs will be used frequently during this voyage.
Sea Cloud II
Launched in 2001, Sea Cloud II is a stunning vessel, built along traditional lines, but offering deluxe accommodation. She combines the timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. The 32,000 square feet of sails are set by hand which is a truly magical sight; she really is the most exquisite of vessels.
Video Library
Travelling with You
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Dr Kevin Fewster
Dr Kevin Fewster is a leading international figure in the fields of maritime museums and maritime heritage. He was Director of Royal Museums Greenwich, the world’s largest and most visited maritime museum precinct from 2007-19. Comprising the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, the historic clipper ship Cutty Sark, the beautiful early 17th century Queen’s House, the world renowned Caird Library and the recently completed Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, RMG attracts 2.7 million visitors each year. During his twelve-years leading RMG, Kevin oversaw the most ambitious expansion and renewal programme in the Museum’s 80-year history. In 2017-18 he also led a high-profile international campaign trying to save the collection of 5500 objects recovered from the debris field surrounding the RMS Titanic wreck site.
Before moving to Britain Kevin had been the founding Director of the South Australian Maritime Museum and the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney. In his 35-year museum career Kevin was also Director of Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum (then Australia’s largest museum).
Perhaps uniquely, Kevin has been awarded both a British CBE and made a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his services to museums and maritime history. He is a Life Fellow of the International Congress of Maritime Museums, a Younger Brother of the Corporation of Trinity House (the world’s oldest lighthouse organisation), a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights and a Freeman of the City of London.
Before moving into museums Kevin authored two books on the 1915 Gallipoli campaign.
Dr Kevin Fewster will be on the following tour dates: 2 to 17 February 2024 -
Rear Admiral David Snelson CB FNI
David Snelson has a background steeped in the maritime world, serving in the Royal Navy for 37 years and the UK ports industry for 12 years. While in the Navy he commanded 2 destroyers and the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal. In 2003 he was the UK Task Force Commander for the second Gulf War. In his civilian roles he worked for the Port of London, the Port of Milford Haven and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. David developed an interest in both British maritime history as well as a keen interest in contemporary maritime affairs and their contributions to our modern interconnected world. David is an Elder Brother of Trinity House, a member of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and a Fellow of the Nautical Institute. David was made a Companion of the Bath in the 2004 New Year’s honours list and was awarded the Legion of Merit by the US government in 2005
Rear Admiral David Snelson CB FNI will be on the following tour dates: 16 February to 2 March 2024
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Itinerary at a glance
- San Jose / Arenal / Monteverde / Puerto Caldera / Zapotal Beach / Bahia Huevos / Santa Rosa National Park / Guanacaste Conservation Area / Rincon de la Vieja National Park / Hacienda Guachipelin / Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga / Puerto Caldera
West Indies Under Sail
A voyage between Barbados & Antigua aboard the magnificent Sea Cloud II
Sea Cloud II
Itinerary at a glance
- Barbados / Grenadines / St Lucia / Dominica / Guadeloupe / Montserrat / Nevis / St Kitts / British Virgin Islands / St Barthelemy / Antigua
Book with Confidence
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